Bill Gates Owns 275,000 Acres of U.S. Farmland —He Explains Why He's Buying So Much...But It's Not the 'Grand Scheme' You Think

Core Insights - Bill Gates has committed to giving away 99% of his wealth, yet his investments in American farmland continue to grow, positioning him as a significant player in this sector [1][2]. Group 1: Farmland Holdings - Gates ranks 43rd among America's largest private landowners, owning 275,000 acres, with approximately 248,000 acres designated as active farmland [2]. - His farmland investments are framed as professional endeavors aimed at increasing productivity and job creation, rather than personal wealth accumulation [3][4]. Group 2: Investment Rationale - Gates began investing in farmland in 2013 through Cascade Investment, attracted by its steady value increase and low volatility, with U.S. farmland prices reportedly increasing sixfold from 1940 to 2015 [5]. - The farmland primarily produces staple crops such as corn, soybeans, and potatoes, and is typically leased to farmers, managed by professionals [6].